Passengers Outraged Over Christmas Rail Service Reductions

Liverpool commuters have voiced frustration after Cressington station was closed to trains on 6 and 20 December, forcing passengers onto replacement buses.

John Mullany, a local resident, described being “astonished” to find no trains stopping on what he called the “busiest Saturday of the year,” coinciding with Everton matches and events at Aintree racecourse. He said the bus alternative was inconvenient and “a complete waste of time and money.”

Merseyrail explained that the closures allow the company to run longer eight-car trains on busy routes. Posters at the station and online notices provide information for passengers.

Cressington councillor Richard Clein criticized the city’s public transport system, calling it “years behind” other major cities. He said residents had endured reduced services for weeks and urged Merseyrail to allow trains to stop at the station with adjustments for longer trains.

Merseyrail spokesperson Greg Suligowski defended the changes, noting that timetable adjustments help manage passenger safety during major events and are communicated in advance.